Supamas has ordered action against 'Chang Nueng,' a contractor who defrauded home construction clients, deceiving 60 victims and causing 45 million baht in damages. She instructed the Consumer Protection Board to bring him in for a hearing on 12 May and plans to blacklist contractors who abandon projects due to non-compliance.
On 10 May 2026, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), gave an update on the case involving Mr. Kriangkrai Rawaiklang, also known as "Chang Nueng" a home construction contractor and owner of the Facebook page "Wan Jeab Home Construction" which was later renamed "Chang Nueng Builds Homes" The case made headlines on the 'Hon Krasae' program on 6 May, after more than 60 victims in the northeastern provinces—including Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, and Sisaket—reported losses totaling over 45 million baht.
Ms. Supamas said that upon learning of the news, she immediately ordered Mr. Ronarong Phoolpipat, Secretary-General of the OCPB, to dispatch officials for urgent inspection. She assigned Mr. Lertsak Raktam, Director of Consumer Protection Division 3, to participate in the program and swiftly gather facts. The contractor’s method involved using photos of other people's beautiful house designs on his page, offering construction prices of 9,000 to 10,000 baht per square meter with promotions including free air conditioners and water heaters. He deceived consumers into making large deposits from 500,000 baht up to paying millions in full. After receiving money, he only constructed the beams, steel pillars, or roof, then abandoned the projects.
Ms. Supamas added that the most heartbreaking case was a 59-year-old civil servant who had saved 2 million baht over his lifetime to build a retirement home but was so deeply deceived that he suffered severe stress and passed away. This reflects that the contractor’s abandonment caused not only financial damage but also destroyed the life hopes of citizens.
Recently, OCPB officials found that Mr. Kriangkrai’s home construction business must comply with the Contract Control Committee’s announcements regarding residential building construction contracts under the 2016 regulations and residential building extension services under the 2023 regulations. However, he used contracts that exploited consumers, such as stating "The construction period is 5 months, starting from the day the main pillar is erected." This clause made it difficult for consumers to claim delays, and he also failed to provide receipt evidence as required by the OCPB regulations.
Ms. Supamas stated that the OCPB has exercised its legal authority to summon Mr. Kriangkrai Rawaiklang to meet officials on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at 09:30 a.m. at the Consumer Protection Board office. He must present all victim information, clarify additional facts, and discuss victim compensation. If legal violations are found, civil and criminal actions will proceed accordingly.
"I have ordered the OCPB to act proactively, so consumers do not have to file civil lawsuits themselves. The contractor's actions have caused injustice to citizens regarding housing—a critical factor in their lives. The government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul prioritizes consumer rights protection as an urgent policy. The money citizens have saved to build their only home will not be allowed to be fraudulently taken away. I have also instructed the OCPB to coordinate with the Consumer Protection Police Division and related agencies to investigate this case thoroughly. If legal violations are confirmed, prompt action will follow. We will also develop a central database to blacklist contractors who repeatedly abandon projects, allowing the public to check contractor histories before hiring. The OCPB is urged to enhance consumer protection by legislating contract and payment receipt regulations for this business sector," said Ms. Supamas. Ms. Supamas further cautioned the public to carefully check contracts before hiring home construction services, ensuring they comply with OCPB announcements, that payment schedules match work progress, and to avoid making large advance deposits disproportionate to the work done. Victims of Mr. Kriangkrai and others harmed by construction contractors can file complaints via the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect app, the website ocpb.go.th, or the Damrongtham Center at provincial halls nationwide.